🍺Nothing to cheer at Coors; AA on Rangers bandwagon

After a two-year mutually beneficial relationship, Financial Benefit Services of Richardson, an independent employee benefits firm specializing in the Texas public school market, has re-branded as Higginbotham Public Sector. Fort Worth-based Higginbotham is the largest independent insurance, financial and HR services firm headquartered in Texas, and has offices nationally. For more than 30 years, FBS has provided a complete benefits solution through consulting, administration and online enrollment services.

Members of Teamsters Local 997 at Molson Coors in Fort Worth struck during the weekend and weren't happy. A news release mentioned the "company's disgusting pay package and complete unwillingness to reach a fair agreement with workers." The strike shuts down production at the only brewery that services the Western region of the United States with Molson Coors.

The former Hotel Texas Annex building, next to the Hilton Fort Worth and a block from the convention center, will become a 188-room Le Meridien this spring. There will be an events room, meeting space, a French/Tex restaurant called Bouvier Brasserie and a rooftop bar.

American Airlines and the Texas Rangers have a new multi-year deal for American as the Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program of the Rangers. The collaboration extends beyond the diamond, offering fans unique opportunities to travel to games and enjoy exclusive perks such as throwing out the first pitch, suite seats and meet-and-greets with players. For access, fans must be AAdvantage members and can sign up once daily at aa.com/RangersPerks for a chance to win a specific prize.

The 46th running of The Cowtown Marathon is next weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the Feb 23-24 event.

Housing report for January 2024: The median home price in Fort Worth in January 2024 declined 1.6% year over year, the lowest that prices have been since the fall of 2021. The Tarrant County median price was flat compared to January 2023. Data for Fort Worth and Tarrant, Parker and Johnson counties are available here.

Keller ISD school board trustee Sandi Walker announced on Facebook that she will be stepping down from her position. She was one of two KISD trustees who issued apologies after a film crew was allowed into a school and filmed students without consent.

Arlington and Fort Worth ranked Nos. 137 and 144 in terms of remote workers as a percentage of total workers, based on a study by SmartAsset. Arlington had 31,948 remote workers, or 15.5% of the workforce; Fort Worth had 72,190, or 15.3% of its workforce. The study analyzed 344 cities with populations of 100,000 or more, utilizing Census Bureau 2022 data. The top-ranking Texas city at No. 2 nationwide was Frisco with 39.7%. The lowest in the state and nation, was Beaumont with 3.7%.

Arlington-based Pioneer Realty Capital has filed to raise $15 million for Gates at PV Apt I LLC. The raise appears to be for the second phase of development for a suburban Houston multi-family project called Gates at Prairie View. The first phase was 120 units. Pioneer arranges and closes commercial mortgage debt and equity transactions, providing access to non-bank lending sources.

Boot-scootin’ around the Will Rogers Memorial Center will soon be easier. Fort Worth’s City Council last week approved a contract with Kone Inc. for up to $2,113,204 for four escalator replacements and modernization capital improvements in the Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. There is a contingency of $130,000 for potential mechanical and electrical work, if necessary.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas says the uncertainty of the 2024 presidential election is a reason for its forecast of slower job growth in Texas. It projects Texas will add nearly 284,000 jobs this year, a 2% increase from 2023. During 2022, strong domestic and international migration helped Texas add about 427,000 jobs at a pace of 3.1%.

An annual Retail Sentiment Outlook survey finds retailers optimistic about the future despite inflation and pricing concerns. According to Levin Management Corp. (LMC), which surveyed retail store managers in its 125-property portfolio, more than 30% of respondents anticipate opening additional store locations in 2024 – the highest figure since 2017.

People on the move:

• PwC: Promotes Valerie Thannisch to Human Capital PMO.

• UMB Bank: Hires Michael P. Grace as Senior Vice President, Commercial Manager.

• Valor: Appoints Gary Wilson Managing Director of Accounting.

• Cushman & Wakefield: Hires Campbell Puckett as Executive Director.

Snippets:

• Want to fill various vacancies on Fort Worth's boards and commissions? Here's your chance… to volunteer.

• A university just awarded cornhole scholarships to 2 Colorado athletes.

• You should never have sold your… cassette tapes? They’re making a comeback overseas.

• Typewriter art? It’s a thing. This London-based artist has been creating incredible drawings with just a typewriter.

• Sixty years ago this month, the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and sang their hit, Twist and Shout.

Last poll results: How long is your commute to work? Answers: Less than 30 mins (47%), 30-60 mins (13%), I travel for work (9%), I work at home (31%).